How to Plan Your Red Tour + Underground City in Göreme

If you’re planning on visiting central Turkey, you won’t want to miss Cappadocia. This region is famous for its unique landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and fascinating culture. The Red Tour + Underground City in Göreme is an excellent way to experience the highlights of Cappadocia in a short amount of time. Here’s how to plan your tour.

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Tour Company

Before you book your tour, you need to do some research to choose a reputable tour company. When selecting a company, you should consider their reputation, the length of the tour, and the price. One popular option for the Red Tour + Underground City tour is GetYourGuide. This company has received excellent reviews for their quality of service and informative tour guides. The tour lasts for approximately 8 hours and costs around 60 Euro per person.

Step 2: Know Your Tour Schedule

The Red Tour + Underground City in Göreme tour typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in the morning. You’ll then visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a collection of rock-cut churches and monasteries. You’ll see stunning frescoes and learn about the history of this unique religious site.

Next, you’ll head to the Devrent Valley, known for its unusual rock formations that resemble animals and other shapes. After that, you’ll explore the honeycombs of the mazy underground city in Kaymakli, where ancient people once lived to escape persecution. This is one of the highlights of the tour and a unique experience.

You’ll then get amazed by the fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley, where you can take some great photos and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Finally, you’ll experience pottery art demonstration in the workshops of Avanos, where you can learn about the traditional techniques used to make these beautiful works of art.

Step 3: Know What to Bring

To fully enjoy your tour, you need to be prepared. Some of the essentials you should bring include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You may also want to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique experiences you’ll have on the tour.

Step 4: Book Your Tour

Now that you’ve chosen a reputable tour company, know your schedule, and are prepared, it’s time to book your tour. You can book your Red Tour + Underground City in Göreme tour through GetYourGuide, the reputable tour company we recommended, by clicking book the tour here.

Conclusion

The Red Tour + Underground City in Göreme is an excellent way to experience the highlights of Cappadocia. By choosing a reputable tour company, knowing your tour schedule, being prepared, and booking your tour, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your camera and comfortable shoes and immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, ancient dwellings, and fascinating culture of the region.

An Insider’s Guide to Göreme, Turkey

Göreme is a small town located in the region of Cappadocia in central Turkey. Most famous for its unique rock formations called fairy chimneys, Göreme is a popular destination for travelers looking to witness otherworldly landscapes and explore ancient underground cities.

Local Attractions

The must-visit attraction in Göreme is the Göreme Open Air Museum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this complex consists of multiple churches and monasteries carved into the soft volcanic rock formations of the region. You can marvel at the ancient frescoes and architecture while learning about the history of Christianity in Turkey.

Another top attraction is the Love Valley, which boasts some of the most dramatic fairy chimneys in the area. You can hike or take a hot air balloon ride over the valley to witness its beauty. Additionally, there are several hike trails around Rose and Red Valleys offering a comprehensive view of the fairy chimneys.

Dining Spots

Göreme has a variety of dining options, from local Turkish cuisine to international fare. For some authentic Turkish kebabs, visit Topdeck Cave Restaurant, located in the heart of the town. The restaurant is built into a cave, providing diners with a unique and atmospheric experience. Another great local option is Fat Boys’ Cafe & Restaurant, which serves up delicious homemade dishes.

If you’re in the mood for something international, check out Pumpkin Cafe. This cozy restaurant nestled in the fairy chimneys offers a great view with its outdoor dining section.

Cultural Experiences

To learn more about the fascinating history of the region, we highly recommend visiting the Kaymakli Underground City. This ancient city was carved out of the volcanic rock by early Christians to escape persecution. There, you can see how they lived and worked underground for months at a time.

To really immerse yourself in the Turkish culture, head to a traditional Turkish hammam (bath). Cappadocia has some of the best hamams in Turkey. One notable hamam is Sultan Hamam, which features a centuries-old stone building transformed into a traditional bathhouse.

Local History

Göreme and the surrounding region has a long and fascinating history. Many of the attractions mentioned, such as the Göreme Open Air Museum and the Kaymakli Underground City, are remnants of this rich history. Additionally, Göreme was an important center for Christianity in the early years of the religion. You can learn more about this at The Church of Saint John the Baptist, which features murals and a stone arch from the 5th century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to venture a bit further out, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path suggestions for exploring the region. One great option is to hike through the Ihlara Valley. This lush valley is home to several cave-churches and has a serene river running through it, making it a great spot for a peaceful picnic.

Another great spot to explore is the Derinkuyu underground city, which is the largest and deepest underground city in Cappadocia. It is estimated to be able to hold up to 20,000 people at its peak and features multiple levels of tunnels, living quarters, and even a chapel.

In summary, Göreme is a must-visit destination for those looking to witness the awe-inspiring fairy chimneys and explore an ancient world. With its rich history, unique culture, and variety of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and discover in this fascinating region.